What Happened?

[garbonzo]

Dammit, I missed it. :mad: What was the piece that got cancelled/retracted/removed due to Wizard's request?
garbonzo

[Michael P]

I think it was just an overview of the hullaballoo surrounding the HeroesCon thing. No new info that I recall.

[B. Herren]

Why would Wizard want it pulled from this column when you can read all the hubbub on every other site already? It doesn't really make them look any better at this point now does it.

[RichJohnston]

Why would Wizard want it pulled from this column when you can read all the hubbub on every other site already? It doesn't really make them look any better at this point now does it.

No, no it doesn't does it?

[BlueThunderArmy]

I don't recall any new information, other than that Rich attempted to display the overlapping dates as a coordinated effort to sink smaller shows. Other news sites have reported what's going on and let posters make that (obvious) inferrence.

[FantomasPR]

Sorry Wizard, I have already seen the deleted part of the column in one of the major comic books boards, so it is a matter of time to see it reposted everywhere.

Still, I don't get why Rich should have bowed to Wizard's pressure in the first place. Rumours are not facts until they come true (or not). So, I see a rumour column as an opinion column and in that portion of the article Rich speculated about why Wizard is doing this and what would be DC and Marvel response to this public relations nightmare. That's an opinion in my book and opinions should not be censored. It would look better if Wizard had some comments to run them below the artcle and people could reach their own conclusions.

So let's see what is the result so far:

1. Wizard has many fans angry at them for their Walmart tactics.
2. Wizard has given Heroes Con enormous and free publicity.
3. Wizard have by their actions created one of the most amazing lineup of creators ever to appear at a convention, only problem is that they will appear at Heroes Con and not WW Atlanta.
4. Many people have talked not only about a boycott of Wizard's conventions, but also to Wizard magazine. This weekend more people are aware of magazines such as the Comics Buyers Guide, which provides news, columns by many creators and a price guide too.
5. Wizard gained more bad blood by censoring Rich's column, which is one of the most read on the web. This deletion would only serve its purpose if Newsarama, The Pulse, CBGXtra, Jinxworld, Millarworld and others deleted their threads about this theme. Doubt that will happen.

Let's see what's next.

[phicks]

I can understand why Wizard wanted the story removed. But why would CBR and/or Rich Johnston agree to remove it? Can anybody else who doesn't like the contents of Rich's columns just ask for them to be deleted?! Speak up Rich!

[outlander78]

I read that bit. It was damaging to Wizard. Tough. Why the hell was it removed?

More generally - why does anyone have any interest in Wizard? They have a third-rate magazine and a tarnished brand. Is there anything about their company worth knowing, or any product worth buying?

[metr0man]

It was removed because Wizard said 'jump' and Rich said 'how high!?' and also "shall I comb your hair while I'm up here?'

[B. Herren]

God bless, Heidi M.

Here's the removed part of the article (http://www.haloscan.com/comments/fanboyrampage/112232608819259551/#314078) as linked over at The Beat (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/), because people have a right to know.

Rich, if this is a problem then please remove this post. Regardless of what SOME people are saying I know that being faced with potentially nasty litigation is not a very inviting prospect.

[Howard Roark]

can understand why Wizard wanted the story removed. But why would CBR and/or Rich Johnston agree to remove it? Can anybody else who doesn't like the contents of Rich's columns just ask for them to be deleted?!

Agreed. Isn't this the same type of capitulation Rich's column usually rails against when other sites/creators cave in to the “suites?"

WIZARD truly is the “Wal-Mart” of the comic industry. Cater to them or else.

Kind of hurts the creditability to this column, as well. What else isn’t being written about for the same reasons?

:confused:

[RichJohnston]

I can understand why Wizard wanted the story removed. But why would CBR and/or Rich Johnston agree to remove it? Can anybody else who doesn't like the contents of Rich's columns just ask for them to be deleted?! Speak up Rich!

Yes, and they have done.

[RichJohnston]

God bless, Heidi M.

Here's the removed part of the article (http://www.haloscan.com/comments/fanboyrampage/112232608819259551/#314078) as linked over at The Beat (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/), because people have a right to know.

Rich, if this is a problem then please remove this post. Regardless of what SOME people are saying I know that being faced with potentially nasty litigation is not a very inviting prospect.

No litigation that I'm aware of.

[B. Herren]

No litigation that I'm aware of.

More of an assumption than an insinuation. I figure that you would remove any article if requested as a matter of good faith, but in the grown-up world of business and a situation as tense as this seems to be for Wizard, I assumed that if they (or anyone for that matter) felt strongly enough to make the request and you refused it could escalate with litigation always being a possible consequence.

Someone said that pulling the article weakens the column but I think the opposite. Again, to play a fair game I would think Rich would have to be ready to remove any article at the request of any involved party at anytime. Nothing here is fact and to stand steadfastly as if it were would be the only surefire way to sacrifice the integrity of the column.

[RichJohnston]

A threat of litigation would make me less inclined to pull a piece. A polite request, more.

[OZZ]

It was removed because Wizard said 'jump' and Rich said 'how high!?' and also "shall I comb your hair while I'm up here?'

LOL.

I sooo needed that laugh this morning.

:D

[Coqui]

Your pretty tight lipped there Rich, how come no explination? Did they threathen you? sweeten the pot? what gives?

[dancj]

I don't think there's anything to explain. Sometimes people as Rich to pull stories and he does. It's the way it's always been

[Sean Walsh]

Ah......perhaps they asked for the retraction because the entire ordeal might be retracted...?

According to Newsarama, WizardWorld Atlanta might not even happen now... (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=39363)

[Emerald Ghost]

Good job, Rich. :)

I am completely confused by the few deluded fools who believe you are some sinister character doing whatever you can to hurt creators and fans.

Every time I turn around, you're doing the right thing. Keep it up.